Improvement in photographic backgrounds



P. F. FINCH. Improvement in Photographic Back-Grounds. No. 129,122, Patentedjuly16,i872.v

ml-w Q2111 UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIoE.

PHILO r. FINOH, or LEBANON, onro.

IMPROVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHIC BACKGROUNDS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 129,122, dated July 16, 1872.

Specification of a Photo graphers Background invented by me, PHILO F. FINOH, of Lebanon, Warren county, in the State of Ohio.

Nature and Objects of my Intention.

The object of my invention is to enable the photographer to produce at will any desired depth, proportion, and graduation of light and dark shades in the background of his pictures; and consists, essentially, of a disk of one shade having upon it a patch of any other shade, and of any size relatively to the disk, said disk being adapted to have imparted to it either a rotary or a gradually-decreasin g vibratory movement in its own plane by means hereinafter explained.

General Description of the Drawing.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of'a photographers background embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof. Figs. 3 and 4. are rear elevations of the same adapted for a vibratory motion and for a revolving m0- tion, respectively.

A is the base, and B the upright or column, which, in conjunction with a set-screw, (3, holds at any desired height the stem D, whose head E affords journal-bearing for stud or axis F that projects rearwardly from the center of a circular frame, G, over whose front face is stretched a cover, H, of cloth or other suitable material, and any desired tint and depth of shade or color, and which, with said frame, constitutes the disk. The axis F terminates rearwardly in a handle, I, and has (in the most complete form of my apparatus) attached to it a cord, J, terminating in a hook, K, for the attachment of a weight, L, when a simple rotary motion is desired. The frame G is furnished with one or more receptacles or pockets, M, to hold the weight L when a vibratory motion of the disk is required, as for a graduated effect, and in this condition of the apparatus, which is that for which it is principally designed, a patch or card, N, of the desired color and dimensions, and usually of sectional form, is attached to the face of the disk.

Operation.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows If the operator desires to produce a graduated effect he will attach to the face of the disk a card or patch of such form, color, and dimensions as he may desire, and having deposited the weight in one of the pockets, will impart to the disk at vibratory movement of greater or less extent, as may be necessary. The disk will then continue to vibrate with shorter and shorter oscillations until it comes to rest. The original impetus must, of course, be sufficient to insure continuance of the motion until the negative has been taken. This having been done, the negative will be found to have acquired for its background the delicately-graduated tint desired. The position of the lighter portion may be secured for any part of the picture to right, left, or at or near the top, by a proper disposition of the card upon the disk.

Should, however, a nearly uniform tint be required, the card is omitted and a simple rotation imparted to the screen by winding of the cord around the axis and suspending the weight to the cord, whose gravity then revolves the disk in the reverse direction to that which it has been wound.

The stand may be formed as in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, or as in Fig. 4.

The cloth covering of the disk maybe tacked, as in Fig. 3, or may be secured by a drawn string, as in Fig. 4.

Claims.

I claim as my invention-- 1. The disk F G H, having one or more pockets, M, for a weight, L, as and for the purpose designated.

2. The background apparatus, consisting of adjustable stand A B (l D E, oscillatory disk F G H, pockets M, weight L, and cord J K, the whole being combined and operating as set forth.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand.

Attest: PHILO F. FINGH.

GEo. H. KNIGHT, JAMES H. LAYMAN. 

